Strange Lumps on Deer Bodies Alarm Locals—Experts Explain What’s Happening

Images of deer with alarming lumps on their skin have gone viral across social media, prompting widespread concern. While the appearance is unsettling, scientists have stepped in to explain what’s really going on.

According to wildlife specialists, the growths are cutaneous fibromas—benign skin tumors caused by a species-specific papillomavirus. This condition is common among US wildlife and poses no threat to humans or other animals.

What we know so far about the disease

The growths, which can appear on the head, torso, and limbs, have also been observed in rabbits and squirrels. Experts believe these points point to a broader wildlife health issue, though they emphasize the condition is not contagious. The National Deer Organization explained that although the bumps appear distressing, they typically do not impact the health of the animal. However, wildlife managers are careful to keep an eye out for extreme cases where the bumps impact the animal’s ability to see, breathe, move, or eat.

Where are the cases occurring?

Sightings have been most frequent in New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, but the condition is spreading nationwide. The lumps vary in size and color, ranging from black and gray to fleshy tones. Despite their extreme appearance, most affected deer suffer no serious health consequences.

The National Deer Association says that whether or not deer with fibromas are safe to eat depends on the look of the bumps. “Only large tumors with secondary bacterial infection cause a deer to be unfit for human consumption,” said the organization, adding that one will be able to tell if a tumor is infected if it looks “swollen and contains yellowish pus.” However, bumps without those features will not impact the quality of the meat.

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